While I was cleaning my “insides” – getting rid of chemically processed foods – I discovered that your body can build up plenty of toxins by what it takes in on the “outside” as well. By this, I mean cosmetics and personal care items (more on that later), and especially household cleaners. When I did some more research into this, I found that not only was I able to get rid of toxic chemicals, but I saved a lot of money too!

Household cleaners can be extremely toxic. There is a reason many of them say “keep out of reach of children”! While we may not be drinking them, we are smelling them, breathing them in, and absorbing them through our skin or our clothes. Now that I have rid my home of commercial cleaners, I cannot tolerate the smell! You’re talking about a girl who went through an economy pack of Clorox wipes every two weeks!

My personal feeling is this – I am more concerned about the chemicals, possible carcinogens, possibly poisonous, toxic ingredients in store bought cleaners than I am about a little dust here or there. In fact, my belief is that it does your body good to be exposed to some of this to help build your immunity. { Again this is my opinion, and always use your best judgment. I would not advise the local hospitals to clean their surgical equipment with vinegar and water! 🙂 }

Here are a few of my DIY household cleaner recipes. They are simple, effective, and save me lots of money!

All Purpose Cleaner – Mix in a spray bottle

1 cup water

1 cup vinegar

2 tsp. lemon juice

Wood Cleaner

1 cup water

1/2 cup vinegar

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. Blue Dawn

Dishwasher/Laundry Detergent

1 part Borax

1 part Baking Soda

Several drops of essential oil of choice

Shower Cleaner

1 cup water

1 cup vinegar

1 tbsp. lemon juice

15 drops Tea Tree Oil

Air Freshener

1 part water

15-20 drops of essential oil of choice

Enjoy these starter recipes! I promise you will love getting rid of the chemical scents, and even better, not spending a ton on cleaning supplies!